To his Vietnamese-American clients, he is "Ong James," and those from Japan respectfully call him "James san." Regardless of how they address James Albert Davidson, they greet the 49-year-old lawyer with friendship and respect. And that's fine with Davidson, who helps put together deals between U.S. and Asian companies.

Two years ago, James A. Davidson's biggest problem was trying to break through ethnic and cultural barriers to do business in China and Vietnam. Not only has the international lawyer overcome the barriers, but he now sits on the board of directors of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce. Davidson said he has still not mastered an Asian language, but has come to appreciate the culture of his Asian clients. Chinese art and artifacts scattered about his Newport Beach office serve as testimony.

Two years ago, James A. Davidson's biggest problem was trying to break through ethnic and cultural barriers to do business in China and Vietnam. Not only has the international lawyer overcome the barriers, but he now sits on the board of directors of the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce. Davidson said he has still not mastered an Asian language, but has come to appreciate the culture of his Asian clients. Chinese art and artifacts scattered about his Newport Beach office serve as testimony.

To his Vietnamese-American clients, he is "Ong James," and those from Japan respectfully call him "James san." Regardless of how they address James Albert Davidson, they greet the 49-year-old lawyer with friendship and respect. And that's fine with Davidson, who helps put together deals between U.S. and Asian companies.